A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments and most commonly affects the ankle. Dr. Marc Feder, Dr. Jason Kalk, and Dr. Jacob Richey are podiatrists at Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd., with an office located in Chicago, IL. They can provide expert care for your ankle sprain.

A ligament is a tough band of fibrous tissue connecting two bones in your joints, and when it is overstretched or tears, it leads to a sprain. When the sprain is mild, you can treat it at home with rest, ice, elevation, and compression. However, when an ankle sprain is more severe, you may need surgery to repair the damaged ligament.

Ankle Sprain Symptoms

Depending on the severity of the sprain, the symptoms experienced will vary, but they may include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Limited ability to move the ankle
• Bruising
• "Pop" felt or heard at the time of injury

When Should You See a Podiatrist

You may be able to treat a mild sprain in the comfort of your home. Dr. Feder, Dr. Kalk, and Dr. Richey of Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd., in Chicago, IL, are experienced podiatrists who will evaluate you for a possible ankle sprain by performing a physical exam to determine the best treatment plan for you. The injury can cause serious issues, such as ankle fractures, so it is best not to wait to see a doctor. There are signs and symptoms to look for that indicate a more severe sprain that requires medical attention.

You need to see a doctor if you:

• Are unable to move or bear weight on the ankle
• Feel pain directly over the bones of the ankle
• Experience numbness or tingling in any part of the ankle

Causes of Ankle Sprains

When you overextend or tear a ligament in your ankle, a sprain occurs and is often caused by walking, running, or exercising on an uneven surface, or landing awkwardly after a jump.

Other risk factors can contribute to sprains, and they include:

• Fatigue: When a muscle is tired, they are not at their best to support your ankle. It is also more susceptible to succumb to forces causing stress on the joint.
• Environmental conditions: When an uneven surface is made worse by being wet and slippery, you become more prone to injury.
• Inadequate equipment: If your footwear is ill-fitting or poorly maintained, it can lead to poor support of your ankle. If you use faulty exercise equipment, it can also lead to an injury.

Treatment for An Ankle Sprain

Depending on the severity, you may be able to perform self-care of a sprain with just rest, ice, elevation, and compression. You may also take over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help with the pain. With time, you will be able to use the ankle again.

When you experience an ankle sprain, you can count on the podiatrists' team at Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd., Dr. Feder, Dr. Kalk, and Dr. Richey, located in Chicago, IL, to provide expert care for your ankle sprain. Please call them for an appointment today at (773) 202-8800.

Find out why bunions occur and what can be done about them.

Bunions are a very common foot deformity that often impacts the large joint at the base of the big toe. Anywhere from 10-25 percent of people will develop bunions. If left improperly managed, bunions can become so large and painful that they can alter the structure of your feet and impact everyday movement and activities. Before this happens let our Chicago, IL, podiatrists Dr. Marc Feder, Dr. Jason Kalk, and Dr. Jacob Richey help you get the proper care your feet deserve.

What Causes Bunions?

There are several causes for bunions including:

Genetics While you may not want to hear it, your genetics play a big role in whether you develop bunions. Therefore, if your parents or a close family member has a bunion, chances are good that you may develop one too. Certain foot structures are more prone to developing bunions or other foot deformities, and your foot structure is something you can thank your genes for.

Injury or Health Problems Foot injuries and certain health problems such as arthritis or neuromuscular disorders can increase your risk for developing bunions. If you have had a foot injury in the past or you’re dealing with a neuromuscular disorder, talk with our Chicago, IL, podiatrists about ways to manage your condition to prevent a bunion from forming.

Footwear The shoes you wear are also important for the health and structure of your feet. The reason so many women develop bunions is because of high heels. Shoes that put pressure on the big toe joint such as high heels will make it more likely to develop a bunion. It’s important to avoid high heels (heels over 2 inches) and shoes with pointed toes.

A combination of these factors contributes greatly to whether or not you develop bunions. While you can’t change certain health problems or your genes, you can protect your feet against injuries and make sure that you are wearing the proper footwear.

Our podiatrists can help you find the proper footwear or determine if custom orthotics could improve the overall function and structure of your feet to reduce your risk for bunions.

Affiliated Podiatrists is proud to provide compassionate, individualized care to patients in and around Chicago, IL. If you are dealing with a bunion, or think you might be, then call us today at (773) 202-8800 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Feder, Dr. Kalk, and Dr. Richey.

What's one of the common foot problems? It may surprise you to know that it's warts. Small, roundish, bumpy growths anywhere on the foot. Plantar warts often cause children and adults considerable discomfort. Do you have a wart or two? Your Edgebrook, Chicago podiatrists make wart treatment at Affiliated Podiatrists easy and effective. Your feet can look and feel great again.

What causes warts?

Also called Verruca Vulgaris, this benign skin lesion starts with a virus, the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV. Easily spread with skin-to-skin contact or even skin-to-surface contact (sinks, floors, toilets), HPV invades the skin through small cracks or abrasions and quickly forms one or more warts.

A group of warts is called "mosaic" while a single lesion is called a "solitary". Either way, your Edgebrook podiatrist easily recognizes the sometimes speckled, skin-colored bumps and knows how to treat them. He'll also tell you ways to keep yourself wart-free.

Other symptoms of warts

The older you are, the more a plantar wart can impact your life. If you have plantar warts, you will notice:

• Pain when you walk
• Itchiness
• A rapid spread from one to two or more warts and other areas of the foot or body
• Calluses or corns forming near the wart

Available treatments from your Edgebrook podiatrists

Your foot doctor may approach your warts in different ways depending on how big they are, their number, their location, and how uncomfortable you are. 

Common in-office options are:

• Surgical removal
• Laser removal
• Cryosurgery (freezing warts)
• Chemocautery

Preventing warts

Bathrooms, gym locker rooms, showers, and other wet areas are great breeding grounds for the virus. So, try not to walk barefoot through them (wear flip-flops), and avoid sharing towels, sneakers, or athletic equipment. Never scratch existing plantar warts as they can spread to your hands.

Wart Treatment in Edgebrook

Eliminate those bothersome warts, and have comfy, smooth skin again. Call Affiliated Podiatrists for a consultation with one of our wonderful podiatrists in Chicago. Phone today: (773) 202-8800.

Toenail fungus can be a very serious issue if not taken seriously, and, unfortunately, foot care is generally ignored or unprioritized. Affiliated Podiatrists in Chicago, IL, realize this is a big problem. "Fungal infections are reported to cause 23% of foot diseases and 50% of nail conditions" according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

More About Toenail Fungus

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is when a fungus infects the areas between your toes. The fungus starts as a white or yellow spot under the toenail and starts infesting deeper layers of tissue causing discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of nails.

Symptoms generally consist of the description mentioned above in addition to a distorted nail shape and a foul smell. If you're unsure, it's always best to speak with your Chicago, IL, podiatrist.

What are risk factors to keep an eye out for?

• Age is an issue because of reduced blood flow as we grow older, as well as increased exposure to fungi and slower nail growth
• Heavy sweating and history of athlete's foot 
• Walking without slippers or flipflops in damp communal areas like gym shower rooms
• Skin or nail injury like psoriasis
• Diseases like diabetes that, like aging, affects circulation
• Compromised immune system

What are some complications?

Severe toenail infections may be painful, permanently damage nails, and spread to other parts of your feet. This becomes a huge problem if you have a disease like diabetes. Medications used by diabetics suppress the immune system making it easier for the fungus to wreak havoc.

What are some preventative measures?

• Wash your hands and feet regularly using lukewarm water and moisturize your nails.
• Trim nails straight across and disinfect nail clippers.
• Wear sweat-absorbing socks and choose well-fitted shoes.
• Use disinfectants or antifungal powders in older shoes to protect feet.
• Wear footwear in damp communal areas.

Do you need to speak with a podiatrist?

Affiliated Podiatrists in Chicago, IL, can help diagnose and treat your foot problems. For more information about a toenail fungus, give them a call at (773) 202-8800.

Dr. Marc Feder, Dr. Jason Kalk, and Dr. Jacob Richey of Affiliated Podiatrists in Chicago, IL, help you manage your foot care as you age. Taking care of your feet helps you stay on your feet! Foot care is especially important for our diabetic patients to prevent ulcers and other complications.

There are several changes we go through as we age, and some of these changes affect the health of your feet. Your feet may change in size or shape as arches begin to collapse. Skin also transforms as we age, becoming thinner and drier which can lead to cracks on your heels.

As we get older we can also start to feel the long-term effects of poor footwear choices. The best thing you can do for your feet is consistently wearing comfortable and supportive footwear. Remember your feet may have changed size and you should be sized appropriately. Get rid of old and uncomfortable footwear to prevent injury. Footwear that supports your arch and has ample room for your toes so they don't overlap is best.

You need to take extra care of your feet daily as you age, and diabetic patients are especially prone to developing foot problems. It's recommended to wash and thoroughly dry your feet daily, especially between the toes. Inspect both feet for any cuts, blisters, or signs of infection. Use a mirror to check the bottom of your feet if you need to. Moisturizing daily can help with dry skin and any cracks.

Regular activity is important for healthy circulation so make sure you're exercising regularly. If you do sit for a long period of time, elevating the feet and lower legs can help improve circulation.

Affiliated Podiatrists in Chicago, IL, can help you manage your foot care as you age. Contact Dr. Marc Feder, Dr. Jason Kalk, and Dr. Jacob Richey at (773) 202-8800.